Is the natural or human activity or mechanism that removes carbon dioxide from the atmosphere, such as the absorption of carbon dioxide by growing trees. The concept of carbon sinks is based on the natural ability of trees, other plants and the soil to soak up carbon dioxide and temporarily store the carbon in wood, roots, leaves and the soil. Proponents of carbon sink credits suggest that the absorption of carbon dioxide by trees and the soil would be just as valid a means to achieve emission reduction commitments under the Kyoto Protocol as cutting emissions of carbon dioxide from fossil fuels. Carbon sinks have dominated the climate change agenda, diverting attention away from the inescapable need to drastically curb greenhouse gas emissions in industrialized countries